April 11, 2026
On April 10, the NOFA-VT Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting at the Vermont State House. The day began with a meeting with Anson Tebbetts, who provided updates on Act 181, the Farm Security Fund, and other key initiatives. The discussion was highly collaborative; Secretary Tebbetts demonstrated a strong willingness to listen, actively seeking input on the Board’s concerns and priorities. The partnership between the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets and NOFA-VT felt both constructive and encouraging, underscoring the potential for continued collaboration on critical agricultural issues.
The Board then reconvened at the State House, where several members sa
t in on a Senate Natural Resources & Energy Committee budget discussion where the Farm Security Fund was being considered. The committee ultimately decided to add the Farm Security Fund to its list of funding priorities. During lunch, Board members met with state representatives and senators to discuss concerns related to Act 181 and to explore strategies for ensuring that farmers’ perspectives are meaningfully incorporated into the policymaking process. These conversations were mutually informative, offering insight into current legislative developments while also providing an opportunity to elevate the voices and needs of Vermont farmers in decisions affecting working lands across the state.
Following these engagements, the Board continued its meeting to address internal governance and organizational priorities. Members discussed NOFA-VT’s position on Act 181, engaging in a thoughtful and inclusive discussion that centered the diverse perspectives of farmers and landworkers across Vermont. As a member-driven organization, the Board explored concrete approaches to ensure broad representation and meaningful participation, reaffirming its commitment to elevating all voices within the community.
This work is essential to maintaining Vermont’s working lands as viable and accessible. Serving as a board member brings into focus the daily realities farmers face—ongoing challenges related to weather variability, infrastructure limitations, and economic pressures. Sustaining farm operations requires constant adaptation, and in recent years, shifts at both the state and federal levels have made it increasingly difficult for farmers and landworkers to remain financially stable. These pressures affect not only landowners but also those who rely on access to land for their livelihoods.
In this context, NOFA-VT’s role is especially critical. By advocating for policies and programs that prioritize affordability, access, and long-term sustainability, the organization helps ensure that farming remains a viable path for current and future generations. Board members expressed a strong sense of purpose and responsibility in this work, recognizing that thoughtful, inclusive decision-making is key to supporting a resilient agricultural system.
NOFA-VT continues to demonstrate a deep commitment to centering people—farmers, landworkers, and community members alike—at the heart of its efforts. The organization strives to advance a just and thriving agricultural landscape that supports all Vermonters and preserves the accessibility and productivity of the state’s working lands.